Whether you rodeo or love recreational riding, there are things to consider before you buy a horse that can make a significant difference to your success as a horse owner.
Reasons To Buy a Horse
Why do you want to buy a horse? It’s one thing if you’re buying a horse for barrel racing, roping, or reining competitions, and it’s another if you’re looking to keep a horse for recreational riding. If you’re buying a horse for competitions, you’ll need to thoroughly check out its pedigree, competitive history, and training, along with its current fitness and health. Recreational riders should be no less conscientious in examining a horse’s fitness, health history, and test results.
Ongoing Costs
Prospective horse owners should be aware of the ongoing costs associated with keeping a horse, including vet services, boarding, feed, and waste removal. Additionally, they should not overlook expenses for tack and supplies, transportation, and regular maintenance.
Documentation
Ensure all necessary documentation is in order before finalizing the purchase. Review the health records, proof of ownership transfer, and, if you’re buying a purebred, registration papers. Proper documentation is essential for verifying the horse’s history and health status.
Horse Temperament, Gender, and Age
Consider the temperament, gender, and age of the horse. These factors significantly affect the horse’s behavior and compatibility with the owner. A calm, well-trained horse is preferable for beginners, while more experienced riders may seek a horse with specific traits for competitions or breeding.
Vet Services
Regular vet check-ups are crucial for maintaining the horse’s health. Familiarize yourself with nearby veterinary services that specialize in equine care. Make sure you’ll have veterinary services available near where you’ll keep your horse. Ensure you are prepared for both routine medical care and emergency situations.
Boarding, Feed, and Waste Removal
If you cannot accommodate a horse on your property, research local boarding options. Understand the costs and services provided, including feed and waste management, to ensure they meet your standards and budget.
Tack and Supplies
Acquiring the right tack and supplies, such as saddles, bridles, grooming tools, and protective gear, is vital for both the horse’s comfort and the rider’s safety. Prioritize quality and suitability over price.
- A 7-piece assortment of grooming essentials in a durable nylon tote bag for easy organization and carrying
- Includes a comb, hoof pick, palm held curry comb, palm held face brush, mane and tail brush, dandy brush and sweat scraper/coarse curry combo
- Comfortable webbing handles, and an adjustable, padded shoulder strap
- Other features include a convenient top drawstring closure, plastic feet that protect bottom of bag, a flexible retaining strap and comfortable webbing handles
- Unique Design: Exquisite handcrafted equestrian macrame wall hanging that seamlessly blends traditional weaving techniques with modern design elements, creating a captivating artistic centerpiece for...
- Handmade Excellence: Each piece is meticulously woven by skilled artisans, showcasing their craftsmanship and passion. This ensures that every artwork is one-of-a-kind, exuding true artistic value.
- Premium Materials: Made with high-quality cotton ropes and sturdy wooden materials, ensuring the durability and tactile appeal of the equestrian macrame wall hanging. Carefully selected materials...
- Distinctive Charm: The fluid lines and intricate knots combined with equestrian elements give this macrame wall hanging an elegant and contemporary feel. Its refined and unique design effortlessly...
- Interior Decor Accent: Elevate your living room, bedroom, study, or hallway with this equestrian macrame wall hanging, adding warmth and personality to your space. It also makes a unique gift choice...
- 【Material】Our Riding Crop for Horse is made of PU leather, strong and durable
- 【size】The horse crop length 18inch(45cm), will not cause you inconvenience while riding
- 【Multifunction Horse Whip】The riding crop for horses great is for daily training, and jumping racing
- 【Classical Design】The horse whip with ergonomic design, exquisite hand-woven texture, and non-slip handle is easy to hold and operate
- 【Best Gift】The riding crop for horses is best gift for friends and family who like horses
- Product Information: the horse grooming kit, includes a horse grooming tote bag, a oval massage curry, a hard brush, a soft brush, a sweat scraper, bathing sponge, a hoof pick with brush, a mane comb...
- Suitable for Most Kinds of People: our horse tack and supplies are rich in style, which can comb, unhair, bathe or massage your horses, very suitable for riders and stable owners, whether you are a...
- Reliable Beauty Handbag: the horse grooming bag is designed with zipper and handle, which can bring your horse brush kit together, make it easy to take and store, and keep your beauty tools in good...
- Providing a Comfortable Experience: the horse grooming supplies are made of quality materials, not easy to break or wear, providing a more comfortable experience for your beloved horses, and you can...
- Intimate Gift: if there are horse lovers around you, you can send them our horse grooming set, they will be very happy to receive this thoughtful gift; You can also take care of the horses with your...
- GREAT TASTE GUARANTEED – If your horse does not find our Bite-Size Nuggets irresistible we will refund your purchase.
- GREAT VALUE – Over 300 horse treats per bag!
- PACKED WITH VITAMINS AND MINERALS – Packed with vitamins and minerals in each treat.
- POCKET SIZED HORSE TREATS – Small size is great for rewarding and training!
- APPLE FLAVORED TRAINING TREATS – No horse can resist yummy apple flavor!
- Straw covers cap accessories compatible with stanley cup tumbler 30 & 40 oz.
- Designed inspired by cowboy hats, this straw topper is so unique and distinctive.
- Food grade silicone material, BPA free, dishwasher safe.
- Black, white, pink, brown, 1 set of 4 colors, match as you like.
- Due to its unique style, it is a good choice whether for your own use or as a christmas gift.
- These salt blocks are 100% natural and were mined in the Himalayan Mountains
- This rose colored rock salt is renowned for its high mineral content of iron, potassium and magnesium which are vital for equine health
- The high density of these pure Himalayan salt licks resist breakage and biting and last longer in weather elements
- The purest form of salt available and is safe to be left out for horses to access as desired. Rope (included) can be adjusted to the right height for your horse
- Salt blocks help reduce boredom while giving your horse a nourishing electrolyte replenishment
- What You Will Get🐎1 horse glass cup, 1 pair of socks, 1 charm bracelet, 1 horse ornament, 4pcs hair accessories and 50pcs stickers. Horse gifts with beautiful package ready for giving daughter,...
- Horse Stuff for Women Girls🐎Our can glasses are made of high quality clear glass, free of lead and bpa. Can be used safely for a long time. Whether you prefer hot or cold drinks, our glass bottles...
- Horse Socks🐎The horse socks for girls are specially designed with colorful and horse themed patterns, elaborate and lovely, funny and trendy, adding charm and beauty to you
- Birthday Gift for Girls🐎The horse symbolizes vitality, life, running, and power. The horse circle ornament is a beautiful, high-quality piece of art, and is perfect for a girl who loves horses....
- Satisfied Service🐎We value your satisfaction above all else. If you have any questions or concerns, please don't hesitate to let us know. We are committed to resolving any issues you may have ASAP
- ✈【Saddle Heart Charm】--Designed to ensure the safety and well-being of the rider and her trusty steed, saddle jewelry serves as a spiritual blessing during equestrian events.This exquisite...
- ✈【Saddle Heart Charm】--Crafted from suede strips and metal, our saddle charm is durable and built to last. The charms are securely attached to the suede strip, ensuring they stay in place during...
- ✈【Saddle Heart Charm】--This ornament measures approximately 7 inches long. There are 3 ornaments: cross, feather and horseshoe,and heart shaped ornament with the quote!
- ✈【Saddle Heart Charm】--It easily clips onto any saddle and adds a little "bling" to any saddle!
- ✈【Saddle Heart Charm】--Note: There are slight variations here and there because each one is made separately by hand.
- Rugged knot reference guide for horse riding scenarios with step-by-step, color-coded knot tying diagrams designed to be easy to follow, including descriptions and usage tips
- Includes mini carabiner for clipping this pocket-sized equine knot book to your tack bag, or keeping it handy at camp
- A packable alternative to paper horse books or phone apps that covers the essential horse riding, horse packing, and horse camping knots
- Portable, durable, completely waterproof card format is perfect for use in dirty and muddy environments
- Printed on super thick premium plastic card stock for unmatched durability -- these things are designed to last
- Easy to Use: the horse bling accessory clip is remarkably easy to install and remove; With the wrap cloth of hair clip being brown in color, it easily blends with horse's fur, creating a natural and...
- Ample Size and Quantity: each hair tinsel clip is about 18.8 inches or 47.7 cm in length and 1.5 inches in width, designed thoughtfully to fit well and to provide a visual impact; This package...
- Wide Application: whether it's a skillful competition or a joyous celebration, a grand wedding or a vibrant party, these hair accessories can elevate various occasions; Not just limited to horse...
- Robust PET Material: made from PET material, these bling accessories exhibit a robust construction; They are designed to withstand the wear and tear of consistent usage, promising a long lifespan;...
- Ideal Present: the horse bling accessory makes an ideal present for bridles, horse lovers, friends and more; This accessory can be truly gift worthy; With an appeal and a visual impact, the accessory...
Transportation
Transportation is an aspect of horse ownership many overlook. Whether for moving the horse to different locations or attending competitions, having access to or arranging suitable transport is essential.
If you love trail rides, be sure to check whether your destination allows you to bring your horse in and park your trailer and what the rules are for trail riding where you’re going. For example, Big Bend National Park in south Texas is great for camping as a horse owner because it allows horses on its gravel roads and in limited areas in the Chisos mountains. However, you could not bring your horse on pavement in that park.
Taking a “Test Ride”
Taking a “test ride” can provide valuable insight into the horse’s behavior, gait, and compatibility with the rider. It’s an opportunity to assess firsthand whether the horse meets your expectations and requirements.
Thoroughly examining these considerations before you buy a horse ensures that you are well-prepared for the responsibilities and joys of horse ownership. Doing so will help establish a rewarding relationship between you and your horse, grounded in mutual respect and understanding.
